James Franco

The film was originally set to debut in roughly 3,000 theaters. It will now open in just over 200. Sony pulled the plug on a nationwide release after hackers calling themselves “Guardians of Peace” threatened 9/11-style attacks.

“We can confirm that North Korea engaged in this attack,” Obama said. “I think it says something interesting about North Korea that they decided to have the state mount an all-out assault on a movie studio because of a satirical movie starring Seth Rogan.”

The group also released a trove of data files: what they called the beginning of a “Christmas gift.” But GOP, as the group is known, included a message warning that people should stay away from places where “The Interview” will be shown, including the upcoming premiere. Referencing 9/11, it urged people to leave their homes if located near theaters showing the film.

It looks like Franco-philes – as in James Franco – will have to wait a wee bit longer to see their man on the Great White Way. James Franco was slated to make his Broadway debut in a revival of Tennessee Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth.